Three directional support mechanism for vehicle wheels

ABSTRACT

A device with at least a supporting means ( 1, 2, 3, 4 ) coupled to a movement-system making the upper-plate moving. The device is characterized in that it includes a mechanism by which the supporting means ( 1, 2, 3, 4 ) can be moved vertically thanks to the operation of a movement-system, whereby this mechanism comprises at least the following elements: a ball-housing ( 6 ) with a ball; a threshold-block ( 7 ) with a bearing surface on which the ball rests.

[0001] The present invention refers to a device for generating a movement of a support in three orthogonal directions X,Y,Z (universal X,Y,Z mechanism), especially a device generating a movement of a support for a wheel in order to detect the play of wheels of vehicles and/or air planes.

[0002] BE 772697 discloses a device having at least one upper-plate intended to support a wheel and linked to a movement-system in order to make this upper-plate move, so that at least a moment or momentum is generated on the wheel, according to the transversal or longitudinal direction of the vehicle and/or the plane.

[0003] Although the device is very well suited to examine the play of wheel-parts, the examination of the play of some parts was insufficient.

[0004] There was therefore a need for simple and safe mechanism for generating a movement of a supporting means or support plate in the three orthogonal directions.

[0005] The device according to the invention is a device for enabling precise movement in the three directions, as well as in a combination thereof.

[0006] The device of the invention when used for examining a play of a movable or rotating elements, such as the play of wheel or piece connected to a wheel enables a more efficient examination by the use of an additional movement-dimension. This third dimension has a vertical variable amplitude, generating a progressive operation between the actuator plate and the tire. As a result of the creation of this new device, the subject of which corresponds to the above disclosed, i.e. a first purpose of the invention, new application possibilities are brought about.

[0007] Other possible purposes of the invention are the following:

[0008] a second possible purpose of the invention consists in a device capable of directing a vehicle to a measuring instrument in a conform direction.

[0009] a third possible purpose of the invention consists in a device capable of examining plays on parts of the steering-gear.

[0010] a fourth possible purpose of the invention consist in a device capable of measuring braking-forces on a wheel.

[0011] a fifth possible purpose of the invention consists in device capable of realising at least two of the above mentioned possible purposes of the invention.

[0012] A sixth possible purpose of the invention consists in device capable of making precise adjustment (horizontal, vertical and longitudinal) of a working table.

[0013] So, the device of this invention is capable, as per its preferred use, to detect several plays of parts which make wheels rotate or pivotment (swing) around respectively a fixed axle or a steering shaft.

[0014] Those plays are

[0015] play in the transversal direction of a wheel: the upper-plate follows the transversal direction;

[0016] play in the longitudinal direction of a wheel: the upper-plate follows the longitudinal direction;

[0017] play in the vertical direction of a wheel: the upper-plate follows the vertical direction.

[0018] In the device of the invention the supporting means (especially the upper-plate) can move in two orthogonal directions (preferably in a horizontal plane) with or without displacement in a third orthogonal direction (preferably vertical displacement). The displacement in the third orthogonal direction of the supporting means or upper-plate is obtained by means of a specific mechanism causing the movement as a result of one or more movements in the first and/or second orthogonal direction (preferably transversal and/or longitudinal direction).

[0019] The device is characterised by a supporting means, such as an upper-plate, which is movable in the third orthogonal direction (direction perpendicular to the two other perpendicular directions) by one or several operations of the movement-system, whereby the mechanism contains at least following elements:

[0020] a ball-housing with a ball;

[0021] a threshold-block with a bearing-surface, on which the ball rests, whereby the bearing-surface of the threshold-block has at least an inclined surface (preferably surfaces) so that, by an operation of the movement-system, the ball moves on one or several inclined surfaces. The inclined surface(s) is (are) designed in such a way that there is a slope causing a movement in the third orthogonal direction (variable Z, more specifically vertical direction) of the supporting means.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment, the inclined surface(s) is (are) designed in such a way that there is a slope causing the movement of the upper-plate in the third orthogonal direction (such as vertical), as well as in the first and/or second direction (such as transversal and/or longitudinal direction).

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the mechanism (by which the supporting means or upper-plate can be moved in the third orthogonal direction) comprises at least the following elements:

[0024] a first ball-housing with a first ball;

[0025] a second ball-housing with a second ball;

[0026] a first threshold-block with a bearing surface on which the first ball rests, and

[0027] a second threshold-block with a bearing surface on which the second ball rests, whereby the bearing surfaces of the first and second threshold-block have inclined surfaces so that, by an operation of the movement-system, the first ball moves on one or several inclined surfaces of the first threshold-block, while the second ball is moving on one or several inclined surfaces of the second threshold-block, and whereby the inclined surfaces present a suitable slope so that the supporting means or upper-plate is movable in the third orthogonal direction, preferably in the first and second direction (such as transversal and longitudinal direction) as well. This movement of the supporting means or upper-plate in the third orthogonal direction can possibly be coupled with a rotation or a pivotment of the supporting means or upper-plate, preferably with respect to an axis perpendicular to a vertical plane. To obtain this rotation or pivotment, the slope of e.g. the bearing surface of the first threshold-block is different from the slope of the bearing surface of the second threshold-block.

[0028] Preferably the mechanism (by which the supporting means or upper-plate can be moved in the third orthogonal direction) comprises at least following elements:

[0029] a first ball-housing with a first ball;

[0030] a second ball-housing with a second ball;

[0031] a third ball-housing with a third ball;

[0032] a fourth ball-housing with a fourth ball;

[0033] a first threshold-block with a bearing surface supporting the first ball;

[0034] a second threshold-block with a bearing surface supporting the second ball;

[0035] a third threshold-block with a bearing surface supporting the third ball;

[0036] a fourth threshold-block with a bearing surface supporting the fourth ball, whereby the bearing surfaces of the threshold-blocks have inclined surface(s) so that, by an operation of the movement-system, each ball moves on one or several inclined surfaces of one threshold-blocks, and whereby the inclined surfaces of the threshold-blocks are designed in a way that a slope is present in the first and second direction (such as in the transversal and longitudinal direction), said slope causing the movement in the third orthogonal direction (variable Z, such in the vertical direction) of the supporting means or upper-plate, as well as the movement in the first and second orthogonal direction, such as in the transversal and longitudinal direction (with or without rotation or pivotment of the supporting means or upper-plate).

[0037] The mechanism of a supporting means or upper-plate can also comprise more than 4 ball-housings and more than 4 threshold-blocks. The use of more than 4 ball-housings is advantageous for supporting means or upper-plates intended to support heavy charges, for example for detecting the play of wheels from heavy vehicles.

[0038] With an embodiment consisting of more than two supporting means or plates (e.g. 4 or more) one can simultaneously or separately move the supporting means or upper-plates, preferably in the third orthogonal direction (such as in the vertical direction), as well as in the first and second orthogonal direction (such as the transversal and longitudinal direction), with or without rotation or pivotment. Herewith the base of a piece, such as a heavy piece, for example of a wheelbase of a vehicle can be adjusted so that an appropriate position of the piece or vehicle can be obtained for the check of a characteristic, such as height, position of holes, etc. but preferably for checking head- and cross-lights.

[0039] If each bottom-plate or supporting means is mounted on a rotating base plate or if the bottom-plates (e.g. the four bottom-plates) or supporting means are mounted on a rotating base-plate, the possibility to introduce an additional movement (rotation-movement) also exists. In this way one can rotate the four plates or supporting means in such a way that e.g. a piece or vehicle can be positioned or adjusted perpendicularly with respect to a predetermined axis or a symmetry axis.

[0040] The mechanism of an upper-plate or supporting means can also comprise more than 4 ball-housings and more than 4 threshold-blocks. The use of more than 4 ball-housings depends on the dimensions of the device, as well as on the extent of the load, such as the wheel-load. The dimensions of the device can be chosen according to the kind of controls to be done: Control of passenger-cars, trucks or air-planes.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment, the inclined surfaces of the threshold-blocks show a suitable slope, so that the upper-plate remains almost horizontal during a vertical movement of the upper-plate.

[0042] In order to detect the play of wheels on the same axle, the device has at least two upper-plates (e.g. four upper-plates: front-axle+rear axle) each coupled to a mechanism with threshold-blocks and ball-housings.

[0043] According to an embodiment, at least one or several balls and ball-housings bear the upper-plate or supporting means, said balls moving on their respective threshold-blocks, whereby any movement of the upper-plate or supporting means follows the relief of the threshold-blocks.

[0044] The movement-system comprise e.g. at least one cylinder acting on the ball-housing or on an element connected to the ball-housing, in order to move the ball on the threshold-block.

[0045] Preferably, the movement-system comprises two cylinders. A first cylinder acts on a gliding-frame in a first direction, preferably the longitudinal direction (direction parallel to the symmetry-axis of a vehicle.) Inside the gliding-frame there is a middle- or intermediate plate, following the same direction.

[0046] A second cylinder is carried by the above mentioned gliding-frame and is directly coupled to the intermediate plate, that can move in a second direction, preferably perpendicular to the first direction, preferably in the transversal direction.

[0047] In the holes, for example the circular holes, of the intermediate plate, the ball-housings of the upper-plate move in a vertical direction, in accordance with the place of the balls which they occupy on the threshold-blocks.

[0048] According to a detail of an embodiment, the movement-system has a pneumatic circuit with two pneumatic cylinders, effecting the movement of the gliding-frame and the movement of the intermediate plate. The device is preferably also equipped with an oil-circuit with at least one cylinder acting as a blocking-means, preferably in such a way that the balls, in any given position on an inclined plane, can maintain their position in the transversal and/or longitudinal direction.

[0049] By moving the supporting means or upper-plate exclusively horizontally in the longitudinal direction, an interesting use can be made of this movement in order to measure braking-forces on a wheel. It is sufficient to provide the supporting means or upper-plate with a material with a high friction-coefficient. The braking forces can be measured in different ways as for example hydraulically or electronically.

[0050] In addition the supporting means or upper-plate can be provided with a buffer-rib. By a transversal movement of the supporting means or upper-plate, one can obtain a changing swing-position of the wheels, that can be used to examine the play on parts of the steering-gear of a vehicle. Here also a progressive effect is a positive element.

[0051] Characteristics and details of the invention are given in the annexed conclusions and/or will result from the following description, in which reference is made to the attached drawings.

[0052] In these drawings:

[0053]FIG. 1 is an upper-view of a mounting of two devices: a device 1 and 2 for front-axle position; a device 3 and 4 for the rear-axle position;

[0054]FIG. 2 is an upper-view of parts making up the movement-mechanism of the upper-plate;

[0055]FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the movement-mechanism of FIG. 2 along the line III-III;

[0056]FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the movement-mechanism of FIG. 2 along the line IV-IV;

[0057]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a threshold-block;

[0058]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a threshold-block with two different profiles (A) and (B);

[0059]FIG. 7 is a partial cross-section view along the line III-III with the upper-plate between the lowest and highest position;

[0060]FIG. 8 is a partial cross-section view along the line IV-IV with the upper-plate in the highest position;

[0061]FIG. 9 is an electro-pneumatic diagram for the operation of the device;

[0062]FIG. 10 is an electrical diagram for the operation of the electro-pneumatic valves.

[0063] The devices shown in FIG. 1 have four distinct supporting means, namely in the present example four upper-plates 1,2,3,4 movable with respect to the floor or to a bottom-plate 5. A device intended for the examination of the wheels of a vehicle is composed of at least two plates, one for a left wheel and one for a right wheel. To lift the mass, supported by one wheel, the device is provided with a jack 50 or a lifting-equipment.

[0064] Each upper-plate 1,2,3,4 has rows of ball-housings 6. Each ball of the ball-housings is intended to contact the surfaces of the threshold-blocks 7. The threshold-blocks are fixed on the bottom-plate 5. The base of the threshold-block is mounted in a cavity 10 of the bottom-plate, making possible that the threshold-block can partly be immersed in an oil-bath so that a lubrication of the ball and the threshold-block takes place.

[0065] The mechanism to move the upper-plate in the three different orthogonal directions X (longitudinal), Y (transversal), Z (vertical) is composed of:

[0066] a gliding-frame 11 with a central rectangular opening 12 from which two parallel sides are provided with a linear bearing 13;

[0067] a middle or intermediate plate 14 from which two sides 15 are coupled to the linear bearings 13 of the frame, whereby the intermediate plate can be moved in the transversal Y direction with respect to the frame 11, the intermediate plate having cavities or guiding-holes 16, in which are put the ball-housings of the upper-plate, so that each ball is touching one threshold-block;

[0068] linear bearings 17 located between the frame 11 and the bottom-plate, by which the frame can move in the longitudinal direction X;

[0069] a first cylinder 18 mounted on the frame and the shaft 19 of said cylinder acts on the intermediate plate in order to obtain a movement of the intermediate plate in the transversal direction Y; and

[0070] a second cylinder 20 mounted on the bottom-plate and the shaft 21 of said cylinder is coupled to the frame in order to obtain the movement in the longitudinal direction of the frame and thus of the intermediate plate 14 by the action of the cylinder 20.

[0071] So, by the working of cylinder 18, the upper-plate 1,2,3,4 is moved in the transversal direction Y, while by the working of cylinder 20, the upper-plate is moved in the longitudinal direction X. During this movement, the balls glide on the surfaces of the threshold-blocks. As those surfaces present a slope with respect to the horizontal planes X,Y, the upper-plate is moved in the vertical direction Z during the working of cylinder 18 and/or 20.

[0072] A major characteristic of the device shown in the drawings, is that, while remaining horizontally, the upper-plate can follow any given direction (thus also an arched course), and can be combined with a vertical variable amplitude. The movement-cycle can be used to put a progressive pressure on the contact-surface of the upper-plate with a tire.

[0073] The movement in the vertical direction e.g. can be adjusted continuously between 0 and 12 mm (FIG. 5). This takes place in the transversal direction (Y) with a maximal stroke (L1) of e.g. 50 mm. This results in a vertical movement between 0 and 4 mm. In the longitudinal direction (X) with a stroke (L2) of 100 mm, it results in a vertical movement (Z) between e.g. 0 and 8 mm.

[0074] The threshold-block 7 is provided with edges R1 and R2. These edges have horizontal surfaces, so that by the gliding of the balls over those horizontal surfaces a movement in the longitudinal direction (X) or in the transversal direction (Y) is possible without a vertical displacement.

[0075] The number of threshold-blocks in the device can be adapted. It depends e.g. from the dimensions of the upper-plate and the mass of the wheel-load.

[0076] Threshold-blocks can be built in such a way that they can perform more than one function. FIG. 6 is an example of a threshold-block with a double function. The part A of the profile is analogous to the FIG. 5 and can be used to identify a play. The other part B of the profile can be used for positioning the axles of a vehicle in a suitable way. The separated slope B of the threshold-block from FIG. 6 brings a height-variation of the wheels and a transversal displacement to the axles. Thanks to the height-variation of the plates 1,2,3,4 it is possible to make the wheels of a vehicle to be pressed on four plates lying in the same horizontal plane. By the transversal displacement of the plates 1-2 and/or 3-4 it is possible to move the front- and/or rear-axles, so that the symmetrical axis or the longitudinal axis of the vehicle can be directed parallel or perpendicular to the reference-axes, proper to a measuring equipment. The form, height, length and width of the profile of the threshold-block are adapted to a specific function or functions for which the device should be used.

[0077] The profile of the threshold-block can be modified in order to adapt e.g. the maximal vertical movement of the upper-plate. The transversal and/or longitudinal movement in function of the vertical displacement of the upper-plate influences the progressive working of the upper-plate and is determined by the slope-angle of the threshold-block. By the use of the threshold-block as shown in the drawings, a swing-moment can be developed on the wheel. This is efficient for the examination of the wheel-bearings and ball-articulations of a suspension and is an advantage of the shown device.

[0078] The geometry or stereometry or the spatial form (three dimensional form) of the threshold-block(s) can be modified or adapted in function of the requested working of the device.

[0079] The device allows to identify even small plays in an early stage. This basic configuration is designated for the connection of peripheral equipment in order to measure the order of magnitude of specific play.

[0080] The electro-pneumatic diagram for the working or operation of the device is shown in FIG. 9.

[0081] This circuit-diagram is realized for the operation of the movement of two upper-plates. It comprises:

[0082] pneumatic and/or hydraulic components, but can also be operated by electrical servo-motors;

[0083] a pneumatic cylinder 18A put in parallel to cylinder 18B connected to the valves 42 and 43 by pipes 23 and 24;

[0084] the operation of the switch 31 powers electrically K3 and K3′ by which the cylinders 18A and 18B move the upper-plate in the transversal direction Y;

[0085] a pneumatic cylinder 20A put in parallel to cylinder 20B connected to valves 40 and 41 by pipes 21 and 22;

[0086] the operation of the alternating switch 30 powers electrically K1 and K1′ or K2 and K2′ by which the cylinders 20A and 20B move the upper-plate in the longitudinal direction X.

[0087] The device has preferably also an oil-circuit with two oil-cylinders 32,33 (one for each upper-plate 1,2). The chambers of each oil-cylinder are connected to each other by the pipes 32A-32C, 33A-33C. A stop-valve 32B,33B is mounted between the conduits 32A-32C, 33A-33C in order to control the oil-supply between the two chambers of each cylinder 32,33. One part of the double alternating switch powers electrically the coils K4, K4′ of the valves 32B and 33B.

[0088] The operation of the stop-valves 32B 33B is so that, the stop-valves 32B,33B are closed as soon as the supply of compressed air from the compressor to a chamber of the cylinders 20A,20B is stopped by the double alternating switch 30. By this the supply of oil between the chambers of the cylinders 32,33 through the conduits 32A and 33A is stopped. The oil-cylinders are used as a blocking-means in order to maintain the position of the upper-plate as soon as the supply of compressed air to the cylinders 20A,20B is stopped.

[0089] The device is preferably provided with a jack (50) or a lifting-equipment of a lifting-bridge in order to free one or several wheels. The operation of the lifting-equipment allows one (or several) wheel(s) to be put in a position, where the wheel can barely turn around. This is of advantage for examinations searching for plays which can be identified according to the transversal direction of the wheel, as well as according to the vertical movement of the wheel.

[0090] The operation of cycles will be described hereafter.

[0091] The switch 31 is put in a first position (FIG. 10) (in order to admit compressed air to the cylinders 18A and 18B through the pipe 24) causing the upper-plates 1,2 to be moved in the transversal direction Y so that the upper-plates 1,2 are moved away from each other. The upper-plates follow the rising slope of the threshold-blocks 7. When the distance between the tire and the plate 1,2 (distance obtained by the lifting-equipment) is smaller than the maximal height of the threshold-block, the plate 1,2 will press to a maximum against the tire in the central position of the threshold-block. Beyond this central position the plate will follow the declining slope of the threshold-block and progressively relief the tire. By this a first optimal swing-moment is created

[0092] When the switch 31 is switched off, in order to admit compressed air in the cylinders 18A and 18B through the pipe 23, the upper-plates 1,2 will move toward each other in the transversal direction Y. The upper-plates follow the rising slope of the threshold-blocks 7. When the distance between the tire and the plate 1,2 (distance obtained by the lifting-installation) is smaller than the maximum height of the threshold-block, the plate 1,2 will press at a maximum against the tire in the central position of the threshold-block. Beyond this central position the plate will follow the declining slope of the threshold-block and progressively relief the tire. Hereby, a reverse swing-moment is originated (with respect to the first swing-moment).

[0093] In order to increase the vertical pressure on the tire, the switch 30 shall be switched on, thus activating the cylinders 20A and 20B. By those cylinders 20A, 20B the plates 1,2 are moved in the longitudinal direction. The upper-plates 1,2 follow the rising slope in the longitudinal direction of the threshold-blocks. The plates 1,2 take vertically a position, that is increased, between 0 mm and the maximal height-variation of the threshold-block in the longitudinal direction (e.g. 8 mm). By further movement in the longitudinal direction beyond the central position on the threshold-block, the upper-plates go down according the declining slope (in the longitudinal direction) of the threshold-blocks.

[0094] In practice the switch 30 shall be pushed in a first position to allow the supply of compressed air to the cylinders 20A,20B, so that the upper-plates are moved forwards. During this movement the upper-plates rise to a maximum. Afterwards those upper-plates go down to a minimum.

[0095] By pushing the switch 30 in a second position, the compressed air will activate the cylinders 20A,20B in the reverse direction so that the upper-plates 1,2 are moved backwards. The oil-cylinders 32,33 follow the movement of the air-cylinders 20A,20B and block immediately the movement of the plates 1,2 when the switch 30 is moved into the central position (FIG. 10) (in this central position there is no compressed air supplied to the cylinders 20A,20B).

[0096] Concretely, with the switch 30 the upper-plates 1,2 can be adjusted on any given level by a movement in the longitudinal direction of the plates 1,2.

[0097] For example, the ratio height-variation compared to the movement in the longitudinal and/or transversal direction fluctuates between {fraction (1/20)} and ⅓. In a specific version this ratio is equal to ⅙ (a displacement of the plate on 1 mm in the longitudinal and/or transversal direction results in vertical displacement of the upper-plates 1,2 on 0.16 mm (⅙).

[0098] The variation of 3-dimensional forces (vertical—longitudinal direction—transversal direction) is a result of the combination of two variable height-levels of the threshold-blocks.

[0099] So, the device can generate amplitudes from which the order of magnitude can be brought in accordance with the order of magnitude characterising vertical plays.

[0100] The operation of the apparatus can also be automated, at least partly. E.g. by replacing the switch 31 by a continuous control (with a make and break-contact) by which the forward and backward transversal displacement is realized automatically.

[0101] In the example the plate follows in the transversal direction a height, variable between 0 and 4 mm and this from the starting-point of the plate in the longitudinal direction to the end-point in the longitudinal direction.

[0102] According to a possible example, one or more of the upper plates 1,2,3,4 of the device shown in the figures can be replaced by a plate provided with a supporting rod adapted for supporting an axle, such as the axle or rod on which a wheel is mounted.

[0103] The device of the invention can also be used for other purposes than the check of parameters of a vehicle, air-plane, etc. For example, the device of the invention can be used for analysing the position of holes in a piece, for ensuring an exact position for a piece, for analysing mechanical parameters or resistance or stability for beams, construction elements, houses (for example on reduced scale), structure, for analysing the impact of vibration, etc. 

1. A device for generating a movement of a support in three orthogonal directions (X,Y,Z), said device comprising a supporting means coupled to a movement-system in order to make move the supporting means according to a first orthogonal direction (X) or a second orthogonal direction (Y) or a combination of both (X,Y), in which the device comprises a mechanism that makes the supporting means movable in the third orthogonal direction by the operation of the movement-system, whereby the mechanism comprises at least the following elements: a ball-housing (6) with a ball; a threshold-block (7) with a bearing-surface on which the ball rests, whereby the bearing-surface of the threshold-block (7) has at least one slope and whereby at least one slope of the threshold-block is designed is such a way that, by the operation of the movement-system (18A, 18B,20A,20B), the ball moves on the slope in order to cause a movement of the supporting means in the third orthogonal direction.
 2. The device according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one slope of the threshold-block (7) is designed in such a way that by at least one operation of the movement-system (18A, 1813, 20A, 2013) in the first orthogonal direction (X) and by at least one operation of the movement-system (18A, 1813, 20A, 2013) in the second orthogonal direction (Y), a movement of the supporting means is generated in the third orthogonal direction.
 3. A device according to claim 2, characterised in that at least one slope of the threshold-block (7) is designed in such a way that by at least one operation of the movement-system (18A, 18B, 20A, 20B) in the first orthogonal direction (X) and by at least one operation of the movement-system (18A, 1813, 20A, 2013) in the second orthogonal direction, a movement in the third orthogonal direction and also a movement in the first and/or second orthogonal directions (X,Y) is generated for the supporting means.
 4. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the mechanism, enabling the supporting means (1,2,3,4) to move in the third orthogonal direction, comprises at least the following elements: a first ball-housing (6) with a first ball; a second ball-housing (6) with a second ball; a first threshold-block (7) with a bearing-surface on which the first ball rests, and a second threshold-block (7) with a bearing-surface on which the second ball rests, whereby the bearing surfaces of the first and the second threshold-block (7) have inclined surfaces so that, by an operation of the movement-system (18A, 18B, 20A, 20B), the first ball moves on one or several inclined surfaces of the first threshold block (7), while the second ball is moving on one or several inclined surface-of the second threshold-block (7), where by the inclined surfaces present a suitable slope so that the supporting means (1,2,3,4) can move in the third orthogonal direction, as well as in the first (X) and/or second orthogonal direction (Y).
 5. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the mechanism, enabling the supporting means to move in the third orthogonal direction, includes at least following elements: a first ball-housing (6) with a first ball; a second ball-housing (6) with a second ball; a third' ball-housing (6) with a third ball; a fourth ball-housing (6) with a fourth ball; a first threshold-block (7) with a bearing surface supporting the first ball, a second threshold-block (7) with a bearing surface supporting the second ball, a third threshold-block (7) with a bearing surface supporting the third ball, a fourth threshold-block (7) with a bearing surface supporting the fourth ball, whereby the bearing surfaces of the threshold-blocks (7) have inclined surfaces so that, by an operation of the movement-system (18A, 18B, 20A, 20B), each ball moves on one or several inclined surfaces of a threshold-block (7), and whereby the inclined surfaces of the threshold-blocks (7) present a suitable slope so that the supporting means (1,2,3,4) is movable in the third orthogonal direction, as well as in the first (X) and/or second (Y) orthogonal directions.
 6. A device according to claim 5, characterised in that the inclined surfaces of the threshold-blocks (7) present a suitable slope so that the supporting means (1,2,3,4) remains substantially in a plane perpendicular to the third orthogonal direction during a displacement of the supporting means in the third orthogonal direction.
 7. A device according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the device has at least two distinct supporting means (1,2,3;4), each of which being coupled to a mechanism as defined in claim 5 or
 6. 8. A device according to claim 7, characterised in that the device has four distinct supporting means (′1,2,3,4) or two mountings of two distinct supporting means (1,2,3,4), each of which being coupled to a mechanism as defined in claim 5 or
 6. 9. A device according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the supporting means is an upper-plate (1,2,3,4) bearing one or several ball housings (6) on its face, that is directed to the threshold-block(s) (7).
 10. A device according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the movement-system has at least one cylinder (18A, 18B, 20A, 20B) acting on the ball-housing (6) or on an element linked to the ball housing (14) in order to move the ball on the threshold-block (7).
 11. A device according to one of the previous claims, characterised in that the movement-system comprises two cylinders (18A, 20A; 18B, 20B), whereby a first cylinder (18A,18B) acts on a first plate (14) which is linked with one or several ball-housings (6), while a second cylinder (20A,20B) acts on a second plate or frame (11) that bears the first cylinder (18A, 18B) and that can be displaced with respect to the first plate (14).
 12. A device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the first plate (14) is connected to the second plate or frame (11) by means of linear bearings (13,15).
 13. A device according to claim 5 or 6 and according to the preceding claim, characterised in that each supporting means is an upper-plate (1,2,3,4) bears at least four ball-housings (6) and that the first plate (14) is provided with holes (16) in which are put the ball-housings (6) so that the balls of the bail housings (6) touch the threshold-blocks (7).
 14. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the movement-system comprises a pneumatic circuit with two pneumatic cylinders (18A,20A) for each supporting means or upper-plate (1,2,3,4) and that the device is provided with an oil-circuit with at least one cylinder (32,33) acting as blocking-means.
 15. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the device is provided with a means to connect the device to an instrument capable of detecting or measuring a parameter of a piece connected to an element in contact with a supporting means.
 16. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the movement-system is designed so that at least two supporting means or upper-plates can be moved separately.
 17. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one supporting means or upper-plate is coupled to a mechanism in order to add an additional movement, preferably a rotation movement.
 18. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the supporting means is an upper-plate provided with a buffer rib.
 19. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the upper-plate is provided with a material or a layer with an adapted friction-coefficient, preferably a high friction-coefficient.
 20. A device according to anyone of the preceding claims, in which the supporting means is an upper-plate (1,2,3,4) adapted for supporting a wheel of a vehicle or an air-plane coupled to a movement-system in order to make move said upper plate, and preferably to exert at least one momentum according to the first orthogonal direction, the second orthogonal direction or a combination thereof.
 21. Use of a device according to one of the claims 1 to 20 in order to detect the play of parts of a vehicle or a plane, preferably of parts directly or indirectly related to a wheel that rests on an upper-plate.
 22. Use of a device according to one of the claims 1 to 20 in order to detect the play of one or several parts of the steering-gear of one or several wheels of a vehicle or an air-plane.
 23. Use of a device according to one of the claims 1 to 20 in order to measure the braking-forces of one or several wheels.
 24. Use of a device according to one of the claims 1 to 20 in order to correctly direct a vehicle to a light-measuring equipment. 